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Did Toyota Just Reveal The New MR2 Sports Car?

Only moments ago, Toyota revealed 15 new EV concept cars that will soon be looking to go into production to fulfil the company’s all-electric future. Not only has the Japanese manufacturer shown us a potential replacement to the coveted FJ Cruiser and even the next generation of LFA, but looking closely at the press photos, we’ve noticed something even more special: a possible new MR2.

Lexus was good enough to give us a few details on its LFA replacement, including a 0-62mph time of under 2 seconds, and a range of 435 miles. But Toyota is being tight-lipped on the little orange number in the background.

Described by Toyota chief Akio Toyoda as a”mid-ship run-about 2-seater”, on closer inspection this car wields the GR badge on its carbon fibre front bumper and while it carries Toyota’s new design language, this little EV would make the perfect replacement for the MR2 that we all so badly want. Further pointing to this is its roof – a Targa top, that would continue the MR2’s heritage nicely.

With this car being so small, it’s unlikely Toyota will be giving it an all-wheel-drive setup, increasing its weight and price, leaving the only logical choice being rear-wheel-drive via a single motor. Batteries will likely lace the floor adding to its low centre of gravity and structural rigidity, and a low weight could give it adequate range.

With Toyota’s GR Super Sport, a 1,000 horsepower hypercar looking to compete with the Mercedes AMG Project One and the Aston Martin Valkyrie, looking to sit at the very top of the brand’s food chain, it’s looking ever so likely that this little orange sports car could be the future of the MR2 that sits lower in the range.

But, with it now possessing only electric power, its name will likely change. The name MR2 dictates the car’s mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout. But batteries and motors obviously don’t work in the same way, so while the idea of the car continues, the namesake may likely die. So worth it.

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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